The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Awami League acting general secretary Syed Ashraful Islam on Saturday said what has been happening in Bangladesh since 1/11 that would never take the country towards any wayout.

"We're passing days in an abnormal situation, so it's not possible to say everything. What has been happening in Bangladesh since 1/11 won' t take the country to any wayout," he told a discussion organised by AL marking the Victory Day at the Engineers' Institute.

He expressed doubt about the good intention and future planning of those who compare AL with BNP, and said definitely there would be a call from leaders to face these issues in January next.

"I'm doubtful about good intention and future planning of those who compare us with BNP. In January next, we'll have to face these matters. Leaders are there. Definitely there'll be calls (for that)," he said.

Presided over by acting AL president Zillur Rahman, the discussion was addressed, among others, by party presidium members Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury, Abdur Razzak, Tofael Ahmed, Surunjit Sengupta and Matia Chowdhury, former Air Force chief Air Vice Marshal (retd) AR Khandaker, poet Rafiq Azad, AL organising secretaries Akhteruzzaman and Abdur Rahman, acting Dhaka City AL president MA Aziz and general secretary Kamrul Islam.

Pointing to the party leaders, Dhaka City AL acting president MA Aziz said, "We're waiting for your call. If you call us we'll take to the streets to have the leader (Sheikh Hasina) released."

Speaking on the occasion, party acting president Zillur Rahman said he was not supposed to preside the day's discussion as it was to be done by Sheikh Hasina.

He said Hasina is leading an isolated and unbearable life in prison. "Even, permission was not given to meet her on the Victory Day," he regretted.

Zillur hoped that AL president Hasina would be among the party leaders and workers very soon.

About the trial of war criminals, he urged the caretaker government to at least begin the trial process and said, "There'll be trial of the war criminals. Begin the trial process and those who'll come next will complete the trial."

The AL acting president assured of holding the trial of the war criminals if his party returns to power. "Trial must be held if we drive unitedly."

All other leaders, who took part in the discussion, demanded trial of the war criminals saying that the whole nation is now united on this issue.

They also criticised the government for inviting 'war criminals' to the Bangabhaban to attend the Victory Day reception.

Some leaders also expressed dissatisfaction for not allowing AL to hold a rally from Suhrawardy Uddyan to Dhanmondi.

Sajeda Chowdhury said the procession was not allowed because they fear people.

Abdur Razzak said if the government does not hold the trial of the war criminals they would be accountable to history.

He said if proper justice is ensured they would be able to free their detained leader Sheikh Hasina.

Tofael Ahmed said there is no power in the world that could destroy AL. "There must be the trial of the war criminals on Bangladesh's soil."

Surunjit Sengupta said AL extended support to the caretaker government hoping it would be good for the country and now time has come to calculate what has happened in the last one year.

He also referred to the national grid failure thrice, including Saturday's one and criticised the government the way it handled the demolition of Rangs Bhaban.

Pointing to BNP's disarray, Surunjit said AL has proved that it is not a party of capturing power, but a party of ideology.

Demanding trial of the war criminals, he said reform and consolidation of independence are needed for good governance. "It can' t be that you'll try us and allow the war criminals to go unpunished," he said.

Matia Chowdhury criticised the government for not allowing the day's rally, price hike of essentials and fertilizer crisis.

Air Vice Marshal (retd) AR Khandaker said that the people, especially freedom fighters, are united on the trial of war criminals and there would no end to the movement until the trial is held. "Trial will be held in Bangladesh and they will have to be punished. There could be no deviation from that."